Life Group - Study Guides

Jesus loves the Church. He gave His life for all people, but the Church is His Bride. He is the Head of the Church and Scriptures refer to her as the Body of Christ. What does it mean to belong to a local assembly of believers and what does that have to do with our purpose? Let’s look at the assignment and responsibilities of all believers, then dig deeper into our individual gifts and purposes.

In this day and current climate, it seems hard to love others who are different than we are, who believe differently, or who are angry with us.

We all have expectations and understandings when it comes to sex: whether we are single, married, or have no interest in a relationship at all. The way we view sexual ethics is going to be informed by someone. We believe the Word of God should shape how we understand sexuality: not history, tradition, legislation, or culture. In this study, we will look at the reality of sex as being more than physical, and what it means for each of us.

If you’ve watched any of the “Indiana Jones” movies, you probably have some strange ideas from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The Ark of God was actually lost several times. The events around the first capture of the Ark are found in 1 Samuel, Chapter Four. It was a dangerous, risky business, but we can learn from this huge mistake. In fact, we can learn how to bounce back from a huge failure by following the Israelites’ example

Have you ever heard of Deborah or her co-hero, Jael? This passage from the time of the Judges offers a glimpse into God’s strategy of inviting us into His battles, where He has already assured us the victory, but where we have choices.

Samson: The Marvel Comics Superhero of the Bible. Strong, blessed, good-looking, but he could not keep his act together. With all that he had going for him, he repeatedly failed. Yet he was also repeatedly restored and used by God again. Be encouraged in his come-back story.

There is a misconception that the life of a Jesus follower is easy, and that faith is a crutch for the weak-willed. As believers, we often forget that we are joining up for a life-long battle. Though we are to be peaceable and meek, we are also to be ready for warfare and prepared for the next battle. Benaiah should be an example for us to take the fight to our foe and defeat it once and for all.

The time between that last book of the Old Testament and the New Testament is referred to as “the 400 years of silence.” From the time that Isaiah prophesied of the virgin birth as a sign of the coming Messiah until the birth of Jesus was approximately 700 years. A steadfast hope that God is Who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, kept the Israelites looking for the Promised One. What are you waiting for today? What hope do you have or need?

The carols and Nativity scenes all depict a silent, peaceful night. Yet there was conflict, fear, and chaos swirling around the Christ Child and the region of Bethlehem. Between schedules, financial pressures, far-flung families, and diverse personalities, the Christmas season can bring its own worries and conflict. But God encourages us to live in peace and dispense grace.

It’s almost time for Christmas, and the season can be crazy! In all the busyness, it can be difficult to slow down and take direction from God when our schedules seem to dictate our direction. It can be difficult to trust God and remain faithful to what He has asked of us. As we look at the events of the first Christmas, we see many people who heard from God very directly, but in different ways. In this study, we will talk about how we can stay grounded and rooted in God’s Word and His promises.